Effect of Medrogestone on Conversions of Pregnenolone and 17α-Hydroxypregnenolone in Rat Testis

Abstract

Medrogestone, viz., 6,17-dimethylpregn-4,6-diene-3,20-dione (Colprone), a synthetic compound with progestational and antiandrogenic properties, was studied for its effects on the metabolism of pregnenolone and 17α-hydroxypregnenolone by a 10,000 g supernatant fraction of testicular homogenates. This compound inhibited the conversion of pregnenolone to progesterone (91%), 17α-hydroxyprogesterone (83%), Δ⁴-androstenedione (43%), and testosterone (30%) and the conversion of 17α-hydroxypregnenolone to 17α-hydroxyprogesterone (84%), Δ⁴-androstene-dione (56%), and testosterone (38%).

Key Words:

• Medrogestone
• Colprone
• Progestin
• Antiandrogen
• Rat Testis
• Inhibitor of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-Δ^5,4 isomerase reactions